Thyroid And Parathyroid Specialist

Terry Baker, MD

Otolaryngology located in Idaho Falls, ID

If you have thyroid and parathyroid problems, you’re not alone. These conditions are common and often require lifelong treatment and monitoring. Otolaryngologist Terry Baker, MD, has extensive experience with thyroid and parathyroid conditions and can diagnose and treat your condition. Call the office if you live in the area of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and have concerns about thyroid and parathyroid conditions.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Q & A

What are the thyroid and parathyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck. Next to it are the parathyroid glands, four pea-sized glands that produce the parathyroid hormone to help regulate your calcium and phosphorous levels.

These endocrine organs secrete hormones that control and regulate important bodily processes and functions, including your metabolism, temperature, and function of your organs and muscles.

What issues can affect the thyroid and parathyroid?

Dr. Baker is skilled at diagnosing and treating a number of endocrine conditions involving the thyroid and parathyroid. These include:

Thyroid cancer

Hyper or hypothyroidism

Thyroid nodules

Grave’s disease

Goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland

Hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism

The most common issues that occur with these glands is the over (hyper) or under (hypo) production of thyroid hormones. Dr. Baker helps you find the safest, most effective treatment for your condition.

What are the symptoms of thyroid and parathyroid disorders?

Changes in the shape or size of your thyroid gland can indicate a problem. Abnormalities in your thyroid hormone levels tested in regular blood evaluations can also indicate a problem. Other symptoms include:

Poor body temperature regulation (too cold or overheating)

Nervousness and agitation

Extreme fatigue

Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Cysts or lumps in the thyroid gland

Difficulty swallowing

If you have parathyroid irregularities, you may experience chronic fatigue, kidney stones, and osteoporosis that result from too high calcium levels. If your parathyroid levels are too low, meaning your calcium levels are low, you may experience muscle, nerve, and other organ dysfunction.

How are thyroid and parathyroid conditions treated?

Treatment of your thyroid and parathyroid conditions depends on the issue. With hypothyroidism, medications to restore hormone levels can alleviate symptoms. With hyperthyroidism, antithyroid medications and radioactive iodine can help.

For thyroid nodules, cancer, or cysts, thyroid surgery may be required. Trust Dr. Baker to expertly diagnose and treat your thyroid condition. He’ll educate you on the course of action that will best preserve your long-term health.

Call the office of Dr. Terry Baker if you suspect a thyroid or parathyroid condition.

Services

From sore throats and earaches to sinusitis or hearing loss, Terry Baker, MD is equipped to handle all your otolaryngology needs. To help you understand your options, we've included descriptions of some of our leading services. Click on the links to learn more!